If you are living in the popular student areas of Rusholme, Fallowfield, Didsbury or Withington Stagecoach and Magic bus services run past the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and Royal Northern College of Music to the city centre 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. In this area we run buses more frequently and later than any other bus company.

Service 147 runs between West Didsbury, Fallowfield, University of Manchester campus areas at Oxford Road and Sackville Street and Piccadilly Rail Station. Buses run up to every ten minutes Monday to Friday.

Check your bus journey online

If you are unsure which Stagecoach or Magic bus you can plan your journey here or download the Stagecoach Bus App where you can also see live bus times and where you nearest bus stop is. Alternatively you can check if you can check if you area is covered on our area map (PDF).

Travel for students 16 and over

Stagecoach student bus passes are available to any student aged 16 or over. There’s no upper age limit.

All you will need is student photo ID such as an NUS card or your College or University ID Card to show to the bus driver each time you travel.

How can I buy my student bus pass?

Get your bus pass online

Buying your bus pass onlineis quick and easy and we will deliver your bus pass to you in up to three working days. You will receive a Student Smart Card to use on the bus each time you travel. Remember to carry your student ID with you every time you travel.

Receiving a Student Smart Card also gives you the peace of mind that if your bus pass is lost or stolen we will replace it for free!

Free campus travel for students and staff

University of Manchester

If you are a student or member of staff from University of Manchester you may travel free between the North and South campus on Magic Bus 147. Just show your University ID to the driver.

You can check the area of free travel on the Magic Bus 147 map.
If you are travelling outside the campus area you will need to pay for your journey or hold a valid ticket.

University of Salford

If you are a student or member of staff from University of Salford you may travel free between the Adelphi Street and MediaCityUK on service 50.
Just show your University ID to the driver.

You can check the area of free travel on the service 50 zone map.
If you are travelling outside the campus area you will need to pay for your journey or hold a valid ticket.

What happens if I lose my student bus pass?

Student Smart card

If you lose your Student Smart card please notify us either by logging into the My account section of this website or by contacting the StagecoachSmart Helpdesk on 0345 810 1000.

Lines are open 07:00 to 22:00, 7 days a week, excluding Christmas Day*Calls are charged at geographic rates (the same as 01/02 numbers) and are included in call packages from both landlines and mobiles.

A replacement Student Smart card will be posted to you free of charge.